Pet Photography: Indoors vs. Ourdoors

Pet photography can be tricky regardless of the lighting
conditions. There are instances when working indoors would be ideal,
and times when outdoors settings are preferable. Here are a few things
to keep in mind when choosing a location for a pet photography shoot.

Distraction Issues

Many animals, especially young animals, are easily distracted.
Taking photos outdoors with an overactive puppy can be challenging. If
you are dealing with a young animal, and must shoot outdoors, it's best
to have an area that is contained. Locations like dog parks are not
suggested for animals that can become distracted or spooked by outside
activity. A private fenced yard may be the best place to take outdoor
photos of distracted animals.

Action Photos

Some of the most memorable pet photos are those with the pet playing
or running around. This will showcase their unique personality, and can
make for beautiful photos. This would be hard to achieve in a small
studio. Taking photos like these are best outdoors, either early in the
morning a few hours after sunrise, or during the sunset hours. This
will give you the most desirable lighting, and allow the pet to be
playful for the photo shoot.

Holiday and Staged Photos

For photos of a dog dressed as Santa, or a cute pumpkin patch photo
for fall, the indoor studio may be the best option. This will allow you
to use props, backdrops, and treats to entice the animal to stay put.
With an indoor studio shoot you will have a little more control over
the animal.

Combining Indoor and Outdoor

The best option for great pet photos is to have an outdoor session
first, then move on to the staged photos in the studio. This will serve
two purposes. First, it will allow you to get photos of the pet playing
in natural lighting. Secondly, the staged photos can be taken after the
animal has worn itself out playing outdoors. This will make it much
easier to get a pet to stay dressed in costume and posed for the indoor
photos.

Time Issues

Any time photos are being taken of a pet, patience is necessary.
When outdoors, it may take as long as an hour to capture just a few
good shots. This is because you really need to let the pet take the
lead with everything. This will prevent the pet from getting agitated.
Indoor photos will take just as much time. If a pet is being dressed in
costume, you can expect some push back. Most animals aren't terribly
interested in wearing clothing. It can also take some time to get them
to pose the way you want them to for the photo. If you rush the photo
shoot, you will be left with photos that aren't very great. This holds
true regardless of the location.